The event is occurring in a system called 3C321. It contains two galaxies in orbit around one another which are in the process of merging.

The data show that both galaxies contain supermassive black holes at their centres. But the larger galaxy - dubbed the "death star galaxy" by the astronomers - has a jet emanating from the vicinity of its black hole.

The unfortunate smaller galaxy has apparently swung into the jet's line of fire.